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perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens; dissecting cellulitis
Etiology:
- idiopathic
Epidemiology:
- occurs predominantly in black males in their second to fourth decade of life
- occurs less commonly in women & persons of different race
Pathology:
- follicular occlusion
- dissecting cellulitis of the scalp
- draining nodules & sinus tracts
Clinical manifestations:
- perifollicular pustules, nodules, & subsutaneous abscesses withinterconnecting sinus tracts that drain pus or blood
- chronic course
- unpredictable relapses
- spontaneous resolution may occur
* image [2]
Laboratory:
- bacterial cultures of purulent discharge
Complications:
- leads to cicatricial alopecia
Differential diagnosis:
- kerion
- furunculosis
- hydradenitis suppurativa
Management:
- oral isotretinoin may be the treatment of choice
- oral acitretin & alitretinoin have also been used
- intralesional corticosteroids to decrease inflammation with short-lived benefit
Related
cellulitis
folliculitis
General
perifolliculitis
chronic skin disease (chronic dermatologic disorder, chronic dermatopathy, chronic dermatosis)
References
- Skibinska MD and Elston DM
eMedicine: Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072603-overview
- Elston CA, Elston MD
Identifying Lesions on Skin of Color.
Medscape. 2021. May 10
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/identifying-lesions-6007985